UK Environmental Policies Update – November 2018

News

The following policies regarding the environment and building regulations have been taken from the UKGBC‘s monthly update:

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

Following its introduction in April 2018, MEES has already undergone some review. On the 5th November, BEIS introduced a new cost cap for landlords for privately rented homes. All those who faced improvement costs exceeding £2,500 were initially exempt from making the upgrades, however, the Government has now increased that cap to £3,500. Many are still arguing that it’s not a high enough cap and still much lower than the £5,000 amount advocated by UKGBC and fuel poverty groups. Hopefully in the coming months, tighter caps will come into place.

EPC Call for Evidence

Last month the responses closed for the call for evidence on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). The consultation involved seeking input on the quality and availability of EPCs and their effectiveness in encouraging action to improve energy efficiency. arbnco submitted a response and we look forward to hearing the outcomes very soon.

EAC inquiry on adapting to climate change

According to the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), the government must start doing more to protect the public from heatwaves and advising on how to adapt to climate change. In July, the EAC’s heatwaves report warned that there will be 7,000 heat-related deaths every year in the UK by 2050 if the Government does not act.